U. S. CAMP — DISPERSION OF THE LEGISLATURE. 813 
fully, never turning to look at the dragoons. In the rapid move¬ 
ments of the dragoons in forming into position, they pressed on 
the Topeka companies, but those men kept their position, and 
only stepped out of their ranks when the horses were ridden up 
to them, and only then far enough not to be trampled on. The 
sharp, shrill voice of Sumner rung through Kansas Avenue and 
all around the State House, as he gave orders, and the dragoons 
wheeled into form. The two pieces of artillery were planted 
about a hundred yards up the street. They were said to be 
loaded with grape. The slow-match was lighted. 
“ After the dragoons were placed so as to suit Col. Sumner’s 
taste, he dismounted, and walked towards the Assembly rooms. 
Both Senate and House stood adjourned to meet at twelve o’clock; 
a fact of which Col. Sumner appeared to be aware. The lower 
house was just assembling, when 4^ol. Sumner inquired in the 
hall where the Legislature met. Mr. S. J. Tappan, Clerk (the 
* Speaker, Mr. Minard, being absent), called the Legislature to 
order by rapping with the gavel on the Speaker’s desk. He then 
called the roll, and, there not being a quorum, sent the Sergeant- 
at-Arms after the absentees. When Sumner had first entered, 
and had been invited forward, he was offered a chair at the desk; 
he jocularly asked if they wanted to make him Speaker. This 
was received by a hearty shout and laughter. The rooms were 
crowded by the citizens to witness the spectacle* and some ladies 
got into the room. The roll was again called by Mr. C. S. Pratt, 
Recording Clerk, and the absentees marked, when Col. Sumner 
rose and said : 
“ ‘ Gentlemen, I am called upon this day to perform the 
most painful duty of my whole life. Under the authority of the 
President’s proclamation, I am here to disperse this Legislature, 
and therefore inform you that you cannot meet. I therefore 
order you to disperse. God knows that I have no party feeling 
in this matter, and will hold none so long as I occupy my present 
position in Kansas. I have just returned from the borders, where 
I have been sending home companies of Missourians, and now I 
am ordered here to disperse you. Such are my orders, and you 
.27 
